Story Question: Why do so many stories involve taking a journey?

Over the holidays, I had the chance to step back from my writing and take a macro view of story. During that process, I reflected upon some of the most fundamental narrative themes and dynamics always from the perspective “why”? Here are two questions I’ve already posed for your consideration:

Why are there so many Protagonist orphans?

Why is death such a prevalent dynamic in stories?

Both of these have spawned excellent discussions, so if you haven’t checked out Comments for each, you really should.

Here is another question: Why do so many stories involve taking a journey? This may seem entirely obvious to you, but I’m asking us all to look deeper at the psychological dynamics at work, why this seems to have such a pull with readers, listeners and moviegoers.

Of course, it’s entirely possible to take a journey and not actually go anywhere. Contained thrillers rely on this. For instance in Buried, the Protagonist never moves outside his coffin, and yet he goes through a significant psychological and emotional journey.

But I guess my question is more about the movie story type known as Road Pictures. Why is this journey dynamic so prevalent in stories?

I look forward to joining you for a discussion in Comments.

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